Happy Talky Talk!

Ok, I really hate that song, but maybe now it's stuck in your head (if you've seen South Pacific) and that makes me giggle. Also, as I was getting ready to write this, I was trying to figure out what to say about Ella. See, she's getting to this age where she needs me less and less. She is becoming more independent, more her own person, and that means less mom. So there aren't as many funny Ella stories, and there aren't as many new developments in her development. It's getting harder to think of what to write when it comes to her. Of course, once school starts, I'll be able to brag about how smart/talented/amazing she is. Anyway, because of the summer lull there's not a ton that I could think of to write. Except! The talking. Because Ella is growing up and becoming more her own person, I am loving the talking. I feel like we're really settling into an awesome mother daughter relationship. When we eat breakfast (usually on the deck) she'll stay out with me while Livie goes inside to watch cartoons or whatever. Ella and I will just chat. Sometimes it's about her friends. Sometimes it's about what will happen when Abby comes (and yes, sometimes those conversations get a little hard to have due to grown up content, but I think we're handling it well.) A lot of the time it's about having fun, that is we talk about Lagoon, Disneyland, Oregon etc. Basically any of the events coming up or that we hope will come up soon. Whatever we chat about, I love watching Ella's eyes. She gets so excited about everything she has to say and it's absolutely beautiful. And the fact that she wants to share that all with me is the best feeling in the world. I'm absolutely loving our chats. Downside, when school starts, I'm going to miss that girl like crazy. I would wish that she could stay little and my baby forever, but I'm digging this new stage too.
Speaking of school, Ella is getting ready for first grade! She'll be gone all day. An official big kid! And she is so excited. A little nervous too, but excited. So naturally, this month we've started school shopping. We needed to get Ella a new backpack due to her preschool/kindergarten one being too small for first grade and Ella took it a little further and requested a matching lunchbox. We did find an adorable set (thank you Old Navy!) and she is so excited. And I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I won't see Ella Bella between 9:30 and 3:20 every day. Crappy  hours are due to small town bus schedule stuff. I will just have to make these last few weeks count I guess (and look forward to our Oregon trip which will take Ella out of school for a week.)
So summer isn't quite over yet, and Ella is making the most of it. Swimming suits are starting to get worn out, but are still being used regularly. Ella mentioned that playing in the sprinklers with Livie is more fun than with friends. I'm assuming because Livie is more willing to let Ella boss her around so their games go a little more to her liking. Of course, I don't mind. I set up the sprinkler and sit on the porch or deck (depending on where the dry spot on the lawn is) and watch them cultivate a sisterly relationship that would make anyone jealous. I seriously love it so much. Sprinkler time is their golden time. They don't fight at all and it's glorious. I may cry buckets when school starts...